Ye fools and blind— The Apostle's words, Hebrews 6:16 are a proper comment on the 17th verse, for men verily swear by the greater. Whoso shall swear by the altar, says our Saviour (Matthew 23:20.) sweareth by it, and by all things thereon; consequently the oath is an invocation of his wrath, to whom the altar, and the gifts on the altar, are sacred, in case of falsehood or breach of vows. The particular species of wrath invoked in this oath, is God's rejecting the swearer's sacrifice, and denying him the pardon of sin—He adds, Matthew 23:21. Whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it and by him that dwelleth therein; consequently the oath is a solemn wishing that he who dwelleth in the temple may hinder the person from ever worshipping there, if he is telling a falsehood, or neglects his vow. And lastly, Matthew 23:22. He that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, &c. and therefore his oath is a solemn wishing, that God who dwells in heaven may exclude him from that blessed place for ever, if he falsifies his oath.
Related Commentaries of Matthew 23:17
Matthew 23:17-22
17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.b
19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?#rl
20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.#rl
22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.